The timber frame

The key to constructing a good decking area is the frame. If the decking is being built on an existing patio it should be built of sawn treated timber 50 mm by 100mm (approx.). Before building the frame you need to decide which way the final decking boards are going to run and build the main joists of the frame in the opposite direction at approx 400mm centres. The frame can either be built directly on to the patio or can be built using small brick pillars to increase the height. If the brick pillar method is used then you should use a pillar every 1.25 metres along every second joist.

In general the more the pillars the better as this will help stop the deck from having too much of a spring. Before building the frame it is a good idea to cover the base with a ground sheeting material to stop any weed growth once the decking is finished. Screwing the frame together is the best way to ensure you maintain the strength over a number of years.

Before you start to build the frame you should work out the finished level and build the decking so that the frame has a slight fall about 1 in 100, which means for every metre the frame travels the change in level, will be 1 cm. The fall should be away from any buildings.

Once the basic frame has been constructed it should be strengthened with cross members to add additional strength.

The finished surface

The key is to keep the wood in as long a lengths as possible. When laying the surface you need to screw it to the frame. This is best achieved by marking out the lines you wish the screws to go and pre drilling the holes, finally using an electric screw driver to secure the decking boards. Nailing the boards to the frame is a waste of time because the boards will twist pulling the nails out.

A good tip is to use a small spacing bar to make sure the space between each board is the same. This space should be between 2 and 5 mm. Once the decking is finished we normal recommend not painting or treating it because this only creates additional work in the years to come.